Balea Lake (Lacul Balea)

Thanks to its natural splendor, Bâlea Lake (Lacul Bâlea) is a popular stop on tours of Romania’s Transylvania region. Driving tours of the Transfagarasan Highway—hailed as one of Europe’s most spectacular roads—often combine the lake with the Carta Monastery, famous for its Gothic architecture. Tours typically depart from the capital of Bucharest or the small town of Braşov, whose atmospheric Old Town is the perfect place to lose yourself among cobblestone streets.

• There are several accommodation options at Bâlea Lake, which range from rustic cabins to a hotel made entirely of ice.

• If you plan on hiking around the lake, be sure to wear sturdy shoes and layers to accommodate the chilly mountain air.

• There’s a parking lot at the entrance of the lake, and most of the accommodation options have private parking.

From the center of Braşov, it takes around 2.5 hours to reach Bâlea Lake (Lacul Bâlea). The 47-mile (77-kilometer) road is mountainous and windy and only recommended for experienced drivers. Many visitors opt to avoid the stress of the drive with a guided tour. From the capital city of Bucharest, you can take the once-daily, 4.5-hour train to the nearby town of Ucea, from which it’s a 45-minute drive.

During the winter months from November through March, the lake is only accessible via the Bâlea Lac Telecabină cable car, which transports you from the Bâlea Waterfall to the top of the lake. During winter, the lake and surrounding mountains are carpeted in snow, but in the warmer months of June through September, you can enjoy outdoor activities and access the lake via road.

With a whopping 80 hairpin bends and switchbacks, the Transfagarasan Highway is a must for appreciating Transylvania’s scenery. For most people a tour is the best option, so you can focus on the views rather than navigation. The most scenic stretch is said to be between Bâlea Waterfall and the village of Piscu Negru, which takes 3–4 hours to drive, but put aside double that time to account for photo stops.